Nine Questions

Vladimir Novokshchenov, 25, is a law clerk at the Pima County Public Defender's Office. He is also an amateur musician—he plays the guitar, piano and drums—and a painter who works in oils, acrylics and digital formats.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

A really terrible blues cover band. I was a little kid and had just seen The Blues Brothers; I spent the whole concert sliding around on my knees like Jake Blues.

What are you listening to these days?

Noisettes, the Detroit Cobras, Sleater-Kinney, and the Fastbacks. Pretty much anything rock with a female lead.

What was the first album you owned?

Rob Zombie, Hellbilly Deluxe.

What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?

Rise Against. They just don't sound as punk as everybody seems to think they are.

What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?

Dick Dale.

Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Hard-core emo. I hate it, but I also sing along every time it's on the radio.

What song would you like to have played at your funeral?

"I Will Follow You Into the Dark," by Death Cab for Cutie.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

Shonen Knife. That was the first time I ever heard music that was just fun and not about being sad or angry.